Joint research from UCL and the University of Exeter suggests that nearly 250 lives could have been saved during London’s record-breaking 2018 summer if reflective roofs had been widely adopted. Using 3D computer models, scientists examined the impact of reflective roofs, solar panels, and non-urban environments on London’s temperatures. The data indicated that light-coloured roofs could have reduced city temperatures by 0.8°C, potentially preventing 249 heat-related deaths, or 32% of the 786 recorded. In contrast, rooftop solar panels could have lowered temperatures by 0.3°C, potentially saving 96 lives (12% of the total).
Reflective roofs not only reduce the urban heat burden but would have saved an estimated £615 million in economic impact. Solar panels, while less effective at cooling, would have generated 20 TWh of electricity, covering over half of London’s annual energy use. As climate change intensifies, the research highlights the urgent need to adapt urban spaces to mitigate the health risks of rising temperatures.
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